Madeline's First Day of School - First Grade!

Madeline ready to start first grade

As I mother Jonathan, I do things such as change his diaper, cut his food into tiny pieces, and sing "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" for the hundredth time, I think about the time I spent doing the same things for Madeline and wonder, "WHERE did this time go"?!?!?

Showing off her backpack. (The jeweled heart lights up when the bag is shaken.....aka as she walks)

Tuesday was Madeline's first day of first grade.  And so I ask again...."WHERE did this time go"?!?!  As I check in on Madeline before I climb into bed for the night, I no longer see a baby or a toddler.  In fact, I see Madeline's long legs and body almost covering the bed and barely see a little girl anymore.  My little girl is only a few short years away from adolescence.......okay, I know, I can get carried away and mentally have her dancing with David for the father/daughter dance of her own wedding.  And so, I am trying to slow things down and enjoy the moments.

David and Jonathan waiting to see Madeline off

Mama and Madeline waiting

Ready for Grade 1

A new school (again....since we moved to a new city in MN), and a new routine of taking a school bus made for a big first day.  Thankfully, Madeline was excited about starting school.  Madeline kept asking, "How many more days?".  Finally, the big day arrived.  We walked to the bus stop and the suspense continued with each minute as the bus was a good 20 minutes late.  In fact, I was beginning to wonder if I had the wrong date for her first day of school, (Yes, I actually checked the school's website while waiting at the bus stop).  Finally the "cheese bus" roared up the street and all this waiting was over.  Madeline ran onto the bus.  And although there was a small hesitation of not knowing where to sit as she got on the bus, in no time flat my little girl was whisked away.  I will admit, there were a few "high strung moments" toward the end of the summer that I too counted the days until school yet, as she pulled away, my little girl was gone....and Mama-Dirtyfoot cried.  Despite still having Jonathan in tow, I walked back into the house and the silence was deafening.  Hmmmm.....I guess not only is Madeline transitioning back to (new) school, but Jonathan and I are transitioning to a new routine.

Madeline's silly picture pose

The end of the school day came and just as Madeline ran onto the school bus, she also ran back off - happy to see me.  Madeline seems to be enjoying the activities at school thus far and.....yeah - day two and still no homework.  Woo hoo!!

I am sure there will be many more tales to tell.  Stay tuned.....

Still waiting for the bus.....which was late

Running to the bus

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Ready to go